My history in making "resolutions" has always ended in failure. I dream up these big goals of what I would ideally love my life to look like and of course, never go much farther than those dreams. This year however, I didn't go that route. I used the following five principals as I debated how seriously I was going to "resolve" to make changes in my life this year.
1. Does it go along with God's priorities for my life?
One of my favorite books I've read as a woman of faith is A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George. In it she gives a general outline how God desires our priorities to be:
*God*Husband
*Children
*Home
*Myself
*Ministry
*Other Activities -your career is included here!
Think about the goals you have made or are contemplating for your life. Have you spent time in prayer about them? Do they match up with God's plan for you? Do you think you can place the proper emphasis on accomplishing your goals without changing God's priorities for your life?
2. Is my goal something I can reasonably accomplish given my strengths and weaknesses?
Are you imagining your weight loss goal with you ending up as thin as you were in high school? Realistically consider what you are likely to accomplish given your unique strengths and weaknesses in dealing with temptation, discouragement, and mistakes. I had always imagined getting back to my high school sized self, but realistically, back in high school I was involved in sports year-round and very active. Now, 15 years and two children later, my body shape has changed and I am not nearly as active.
3. Is my goal one that will enhance the lives of those around me?
Will getting that degree or starting that at-home business help or hinder your family? What type of time and attention are you able to commit apart from your other priorities without your goal becoming detrimental to life at home?
4. Do you have others around you who will support and encourage you when the going gets tough?
Does your husband support your goals? Do you have friends or co-workers who will help you be accountable in your journey? My co-worker and I share the same goal of desiring to be a little healthier and to lose some weight. We help each other make better choices during the work week even though we have different ways we are working to accomplish our goals. If you are alone in accomplishing your goal, set up motivational smaller goals to reward yourself as you strive for your ultimate goal.
5. Last but not least, can you narrow your goal down to a specific plan of action that you can follow the majority of the time?
I know that I have a very hard time eliminating foods I love from my diet. I also do not like to exercise unless it is fun for me. I have narrowed my goal to lose weight down to a goal of eating healthier foods, consuming less sugar, eating smaller portions, and drinking more water. I have also resolved in my goal of losing some weight to choose to be active more than I have this past year.
So, if you are wondering what my goals for this year are...here they be!
1. Deepen my walk with Christ...seeking Him and following His leading in my life.
2. Get healthier, lose the 7 pounds I gained last year.
3. Spend more time WITH my family (being mentally and physically present).
4. Organize/De-clutter my home, especially my multipurpose room.
I will be sharing more about my personal goals and how these five principles apply to them in my future blogs!
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